5 Ways to Deepen Your Teaching Practice with Finnish Pedagogy This Summer
- vanessa speigle
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
For many educators, summer is more than just a break, it’s a reset.
With the rush of the school year behind you, this is the perfect time to reflect, explore new ideas, and invest in professional growth.
One framework gaining international attention is Finnish pedagogy. Known for its child-centered, inquiry-driven approach, Finnish education offers timeless strategies that educators around the world are beginning to adopt especially as global research emphasizes the importance of learner agency, emotional well-being, and deep thinking over rote memorization (OECD, 2020; Sahlberg, 2015).
Here’s the good news: you might already be teaching in ways that align with Finnish values—without even realizing it. And this summer is the perfect time to deepen those practices.
At Rekla Consulting and Learning Studios, I’m curating a growing collection of self-paced courses and practical resources to help educators like you explore Finnish-inspired methods at your own pace, wherever summer takes you.
👉 Explore What’s Available at Rekla and take your next step in re-imagining your classroom.
1. You Make Space for Student Voice
If you've ever let students choose how they present their learning or co-create class goals, you're modeling student agency—one of Finland's strongest educational values. This summer, consider how you can structure more intentional voice-and-choice moments next year.
Try This: Reflect on 3 ways you’ve honored student voice. How might you build that into your first month back?
2. You Care Deeply About Relationships
Strong connections are the heart of effective learning. If you invest time in getting to know your students or prioritize classroom culture, you’re already practicing Finnish-style teaching.
Summer Tip: Use this time to design welcome rituals, SEL anchors, or classroom check-in routines for next term.
3. You Value Thinking Over Memorizing
Do you enjoy asking “why?” more than drilling the “what”? Finland’s emphasis on inquiry and reflection matches your mindset. Learning there is not about cramming—it’s about curiosity.
Next Step: Download a sample Inquiry-Based Lesson Plan and adapt it for your grade level.
4. Your Classroom Environment Reflects Calm & Purpose
Natural light, flexible seating, and intentional layout all reflect Finland’s belief that environment shapes learning. Even if you can't redesign your whole room, your choices matter.
Summer Project: Sketch your dream learning space. What could you change even just one corner to reflect your values?
5. You See Yourself as a Learner, Too
The fact that you're reading this says everything. Finnish teachers are highly respected professionals who reflect, revise, and grow continuously. Your summer PD is part of that journey.
Join the Movement: Download my 5 Finnish Teaching Strategies free guide and try one new idea in your planning this summer.
Closing Thought
This summer, give yourself permission to grow, not because your school requires it, but because you believe in the kind of teacher you’re becoming.
You're already on the path. Let Finnish pedagogy inspire your next step.
✔️ 5 Finnish Teaching Strategies
✔️ Sample Inquiry-Based Lesson Plan
Let’s make this your most intentional school year yet.
Warmly,
Vanessa
Founder, Rekla Consulting and Learning Studios
🌿 Global Learning – Finnish Roots
References
OECD. (2020). Back to the Future of Education: Four OECD Scenarios for Schooling. OECD Publishing.
Sahlberg, P. (2015). Finnish Lessons 2.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland? Teachers College Press.
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